Thoi Tran MSC - farewell from Vietnam, welcome to Coogee

This post honours Thoi Tran who went to Vietnam with Peter Huan MSC almost 20 years ago to establish the MSC presence. Last month, he left Vietnam, returning to Australia, appointed to Coogee parish where two weeks ago he was installed as parish priest.

Bob Irwin, Provincial Superior at the time of the 2003 foundation writes:

          THANK YOU, THANK YOU UNCLE THOI

After successfully battling two long bouts with cancer, Thoi returned to his homeland in August to spend a few weeks with his mother, family members and friends, before flying to Sydney to take up his new ministry as parish priest of Coogee.

On the morning of 10 September, the Vietnam MSC community gathered to try their best to show Thoi how much he is appreciated and loved here in Vietnam.

There was, of course, a strong sense of sadness at his departure, but the overarching feeling was one of tremendous gratitude to him for all that he has been for the community and what he has done for us over the past nearly twenty years.

Thoi’s life has been one of great challenge and generosity. Born in Vietnam, joining a minor seminary here as a young man, then a refugee to Australia, then joined the MSC in Australia, then ordained at St Brigid’s church, Coogee, in September 1995.

1999 was a crucial year for MSC Vietnam. This was the year when we made a very touching and important step in our movement towards coming to Vietnam. The famous “meeting” mainly centred on whether or not these two fine men were prepared to go back “home” and leave their ministries and friends in Australia. Tears were shed, and thus began several years of investigation/research and discernment.

2003, Thoi moved back to Vietnam, and he and Peter shared the responsibility of a new beginning.

Thus, Thoi has been here since the beginning, and as the various speeches at his farewell made clear, his person, his example, his wisdom, his faith, his dedication, his generosity, his “MSC ness” as he held the roles of formator and/ or community leader, have all helped to form us into the community we are now.

Hoang, one of his first students in 2003 has been the community leader here now for some years, and the next generation of MSC whom Thoi helped form, now take on the formation of the next generation. Thus it is meant to be!

How the world turns: Ordained at Coogee this month, 27 years ago…installed as Coogee parish priest September, 2022.

Thanks, Thoi……Your Vietnamese MSC family pray that the good Lord continues to bless you and keep you close to His Heart.

And a baptism memory when Thoi ministered in Coogee some time ago.